Window sash holder



y 8, 1953 G. STEINGRU BER .6

WINDOW SASH HOLDER Filed March 8, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 "IIII IN V ENTOR.

July 28, 19.53 s. STEINGRUBER WINDOW SASH HOLDER Filed March 8, 1951 2SheetsSheet 2 FIG. 3.

sm s t-k MI- I JNVENTOR.

Patented July 28, 1953 WINDOW SASH HOLDER George Steingruber, Atlanta,Ga.; Minnie Baas Steingruber, executrix of said George Steingruber,deceased Application March 8, 1951, Serial No. 214,564

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to window sash holders, and moreparticularly to an improved window sash holder adapted to be utilized inconnection with conventional wood, metal, or wood and metal windows ofthe sliding sash type.

Frequently, in windows of this type, the counterbalanceinstrumentalities become inoperative, in which event, the lower sashwill not remain open, and the upper sash will not remain closed, in thecase of double-hung windows, thus requiring either repair or replacementof the old counterbalance means.

However, this is a task which requires, in most cases, the services of askilled carpenter or other mechanic, due to the tedious and difficultnature of this work.

Therefore, it is highly desirable that there be available a suitablewindow sash holder that can be readily utilized to take the place of theconventional counterbalance assembly of a window, either at the time ofmanufacture or installation of a new window or when such assemblybecomes inoperative, preferably without requiring the services of anyskilled labor.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide awindow sash holder which may be simply and readily installed onconventional window assemblies of the sliding sash type when the oldcounterbalance assembly becomes inoperative, or, on the other hand whichmay be installed on new window assemblies in lieu of the conventionalcounterbalance means, either at the factory, or at the time ofinstallation of the window.

Another object is to provide a window sash holder which allows thewindow sash or sashes to be raised and/or lowered, as the case may be,and which positively holds the sash in any selected positionintermediate the fully open and the fully closed position.

A further object is to provide a window sash holding means whichincludes a holding member that is slidable in a channel shaped bar whichdefines one side of the Window sash-receiving channel in which the sashis customarily slidable, and which in the case of double-hung sashes,may be, if desired, readily utilized to replace the conventional partingstrip that separates the two slidable sashes of a double-hung windowassembly, or which may be substituted in lieu of the conventionalparting strip at the place of manufacture of the window.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter becomemore apparent and the novel features thereof defined in the appendedclaims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary View in elevation of a typical double-hungwindow assembly embodying the sash holder of this invention, as viewedfrom the inside of the building of which the window forms a part, with aportion of the window frame broken away for clarity;

Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but showing the windowassembly as viewed from the outside of the building;

Figure 3 is a view in vertical section as taken on the-line 33 of Figure1, with the sash holders shown in their sash-holding positions and inwedged interengagement with the channelshaped parting strip;

Figure 4 is a view in horizontal section as taken on the line 4-4 ofFigure 3;

Figure 5 is afragmentary view in vertical section as taken on the line5--5 of Figure 4; V

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view of that portion of the upper sash,.itssash holder, and the asso ciated channel strip and window frame partsshown in Figure 3, with a portion of the mounting bracket broken awayand shown in section, but showing the wedge member in a releasedposition relative to the channel strip to allow the upper sash to movedownward; and 1 Figure 7 is an exploded detail view in perspec tive ofthe supporting bracket and pivotal wedgecarrying rocker arm that areutilized particularly for the lower sash.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the severalfigures of the drawings, wherein I generally denotes a window frame,including conventional stop strips defining a pair of channels 2, 3, inwhich the window sashes are slidable, and a central groove 4 adapted toaccommodate a parting strip 5 of a suitable type.

In accordance with this invention, the parting strip 5 has the form of achannel-shaped strip which is secured in the groove 4 by means of asuitable number of screws 6 or the like. This parting strip 5 forms theinner side of the two sash-receiving channels 2, 3, and defines a grooveparallel thereto which is adapted to cooperate with the sash holdersgenerally designated 1, 8 carried by the upper and lower sash members1', 8', respectively.-

The upper sash holder! is mounted on the lower horizontal edge of thewindow sash 1- and adjacent to one lateral side thereof in operativesash-holding relation to the channel strip 5, and the sash holder 8 ismounted on the upper horizontal edge of the window sash 8' and adiacentto one lateral side of this window sash and also in operative relationto the channel strip 5.

The sash holders I, 8 are constructed so as to cooperate with thechannel strip in the same manner, and while in the illustrativeembodiment, this channel strip constitutes a parting strip, it could beutilized as one of the stop strips on the window frame, particularly inthe case of a single-hung window assembly, but its function as a stopstrip or a parting strip is not essential if the groove defined therebyis formed in some other part of the window frame.

Referring particularly to Figures 2 to 6, it will be seen that the uppersash holder 1 comprises a laterally disposed supporting bracketincluding a base plate 9 which is adapted to be secured to the loweredge of the sash l by means of a suitable number of screws or the like,as may be desired, and a vertically disposed portion ll having alaterally projecting lug l2 disposed on one side thereof.

A rocker arm I3 is pivotally mounted on the vertical portion ll of thebracket, as by means of a shouldered pivot pin or rivet 14 having areduced end l5 receivable in an opening IS in the vertically disposedportion l l of the supporting bracket.

This rocker arm I3 is provided with a laterally offset sash-holding lugI! which is adapted to project into the open channel of the partingstrip 5 and frictionally engage the opposed sides of the parting stripwith a wedging action that prevents the window sash T' from beinglowered when the rocker arm I3 and the lug I! are in the position shownin Figures 2, 3 and 5, but being adapted to disengage from contact withthe parting strip 5 when the rocker arm :3 is pivoted to the positionshown in Figure 6 in order to permit the window sash l to be lowered. Asis best seen in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the lug I1 is substantially squarein form, although it may be of any other suitable form, but it ispreferably provided with a pair of diagonally opposed relatively sharpcorners, as at ll, to increase its resistance to movement of the sashwhen these sharp edges are wedged between the opposed walls of thechannel strip 5.

The rocker arm i3 is preferably formed with a substantially verticallydisposed rigid actuator l8, and the adjacent upper edge H) of the rockerarm is so arranged as to butt against the lower edge of the window sashI (see Figure 6) when the rocker arm and the lug I! are moved by theactuator 18 to the released position shown in Figure 6 and the windowsash is rendered free for downward movement, with the lug l1 and itssharp edges l'l' completely free from engagement with the channel strip5.

Disposed between the lower edge 28 of the pivotal rocker arm 13 and theopposed portion of the laterally projecting lug [2 on the verticalportion ll of the supporting bracket, is resilient means, preferablyhaving the form of a compression spring 2| which is seated at one of itsends in a recess 22 in the laterally projecting lug l2, the opposite endof the spring 2! butting against the lower edge 20 of the rocker arm l3,thus constantly urging the rocker arm l3 and consequently the sashholding lug l7 into frictional wedging engagement with the channeledparting strip (see Figures 2, 3, and 5).

Passing now to the sash holder 8 mounted on the upper edge of the lowerwindow sash 8, it will be seen that this sash holder is generallysimilar to the hereinbefore described sash holder 1, except that it isprovided with a modified form of actuator means which renders the sashholder 8 readily actuatable when the window sash 8' is in a raised oropen position, which would normally elevate the sash holder 8 to aposition beyond the reach of the average person.

The sash holder 8 includes a supporting bracket having a base plate 23secured to the upper edge of the window sash 8' by means of suitablescrew fasteners 24, a vertically disposed rocker armsupporting portion25, and a laterally projecting portion or lug 26. A rocker arm 21 ispivotally mounted on the vertical supporting member 25, as by means of ashouldered pivot pin or rivet 28, in the same manner as has beenhereinbefore described in connection with the rocker arm [3 and pivotpin M of the sash holder 1.

This rocker arm 27 is also provided with a laterally offset sash-holdinglug or wedge member 29 having diagonally opposed relatively sharp edges29' adapted for frictional wedging engagement with the channeled strip 5in order to hold the window sash 8 in any position of elevation, thelower edge 30 of the free end of the rocker arm 21 being slightlyinclined in order to permit the rocker arm to be pivoted to asash-releasing position, with the sash holding lug 29 centrally disposedin the channel 5 and out of engagement with the opposed walls thereof,as limited by abutting contact against the upper edge of the sash 8'.

A resilient compression spring 3| or the like is interposed between thelug 2B of the supporting bracket of this sash holder 8 and aspringseating portion 32 of the rocker arm 21, one end of the spring 3|being seated in a socket or recess 33 in the lug 26, and the oppositeend of the spring seating on the portion 32 of the rocker arm 2?. Thisspring acts to constantly urge the rocker arm 21, and consequently thesash-holding lug or wedge 29, into frictional wedging engagement withthe parting strip 5.

Means are provided for conveniently actuating the rocker arm 27 intosash-releasing position against the urge of the spring 3 I, this meanspreferably comprising a vertically disposed pusherrod 34, which ispreferably U-form in transverse section, so as to receive the outer end35 of the rocker arm 2'1. A pivot pin 36 extends through the pusher-rod34 and through an opening 37 in the end 35 of the rocker arm 2'! forpivotally connecting these elements together.

The lower or free end of the pusher-rod 34 is preferably provided withan offset handle or finger-piece 3B, and intermediate this handle 38 andthe point of connection between the pusherrod 34 and the rocker arm 2?,the pusher-rod 34 is slidaoly secured to the window sash 8 by means of asuitable fastener 39 which extends through a longitudinally extendedslot 46 in the pusherrod 35.

The operation of the hereinbefore described Window sash holding means isas follows, and it will be assumed that both the upper and lower sashesl, 8 are in the closed position shown best in Figures 1 and 3 of thedrawings.

When raising the lower sash 8, for example, any holding action of thesash-holding lug 29 is released automatically as a result of the rockerarm 21 pivoting slightly against the spring 3! responsive to thedownward drag imposed on the lug 29 by the channel strip 5 upon initialmovement of the sash 8 towards an open position.

Now when upward movement of the sash 8' is stopped, the spring 3! forcesthe rocker arm 27 to pivot in the opposite direction, the lug 29,particularly the sharp edges 25 thereof, engaging the opposed walls orfaces of the channel strip 5 and becoming frictionally wedgedtherebetween, the weight of the window sash causing an increased wedgingaction as the sash tends to slide back down. Thus, the window sash issecurely held in a raised or open position.

When it is desired to lower the window sash 8', it is only necessary toapply a slight pressure upwardly on the handle 38 of the pusher-rod 34to cause the rocker arm 2'! to pivot in a direction to move the sashholding lug 2% to a position out of engagement with the opposed faces ofthe channel strip 5, and the window will slide down freely by its ownWeight, until it abuts against the window sill, or until the pressure onthe handle 33 is released to allow the sash-holding lug 29 to againengage the channel strip 5 to hold the window in any new position.

The operation of the upper sash holder 7 is the same as that justdescribed, except that the rocker arm is pivoted to the sash-releasingposition by a slight pressure outwardly, or to the left as seen inFigure 3, on the rigid actuator arm l3 thereof, thus moving thesash-holding lug H to the position shown in Figure 6.

Now, it Will be seen that I have produced a novel and improved windowsash holder that may be readily and simply installed on existing windowsto replace the conventional counterbalance assemblies with which theyare generally provided, or on the other hand, which may be installed onnew window assemblies in lieu of the conventional counterbalance means,either at the factory or at the point of installation. Still further, Ihave produced a sliding sash holder that is easy and smooth inoperation. and which is extremely eflicient and positive in its action.

While the specific details have been herein shown and described, theinvention is not confined thereto, since changes and alterations may beresorted to without departing from the spirit thereof as defined in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. The combination with a window frame having opposed vertical sashchannels therein and having a groove extended at one side of andparallel to one of said sash channels, and a sash slidably mounted insaid sash channels, of a sash holder comprising a supporting bracketadapted to be connected to a horizontal edge of the sash adjacent to oneside thereof, wedging means carried by said bracket and adapted toproject into the groove at one side of one of the sash channels forselective wedging engagement and disengagement of the wedging means withthe opposed faces of said groove to respectively hold the sash in andrelease the sash from any selected vertical position in said sashchannels, resilient means for normally urging said wedging means intowedging engagement with the groove aforesaid, said wedging engagementbeing augmented by the weight of the sash and being automaticallyreleased on movement of the sash in a direction opposed to the directionof the weight of the sash, and means for actuating said wedging meansout of wedging engagement with respect to said groove,

2. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said wedging means iscarried by a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said supporting bracket forrocking movements in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the sash andsash channels, and with the wedging means disposed for releasablewedging engagement with the opposed faces of said groove responsive topivotal movements of said rocker arm, and the means for actuating thewedging means comprises a rigid actuator arm on one end of said rockerarm.

3. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said wedging means iscarried by a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said supporting bracket forrocking movements in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the sash andsash channels, and with the wedging means disposed for releasablewedging engagement with the opposed faces of said groove responsive topivotal movements of said rocker arm, and the means for actuating thewedging means comprises a pusher-rod operatively connected with one endof said rocker arm.

l. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the wedging meansincludes a lug having opposed edges engageable with and disengageablefrom the opposed walls of the groove.

5. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the wedging means iscarried by one end of a rocker arm pivot-ally mounted said supportingbracket for rocking movements in a plane perpendicular to the plane ofthe sash and sash channels, and with the wedging means disposed forreleasable wedging engagement with the opposed faces of said grooveresponsive to pivotal movements of said rocker arm, said wedging meansincludin a wedging lug having opposed edges adapted to be engaged withand disengaged from the opposed walls of the groove.

6. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the wedging meansincludes a wedging lug, said lug being substantially square in crosssection, with two of its diagonally opposed edges adapted to be engagedwith and disengaged from the oppose walls of said groove.

7. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the groove in thewindow frame is defined by a channeled strip secured to the windowframe.

8. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the groove in thewindow frame is defined by a channeled strip secured to the windowframe, and said channeled strip forms one side of one of the opposedsash channels.

9. A sash holder for sashes that are adapted to be mounted for verticalsliding movements in a window frame, comprising a support adapted to beanchored to the sash adjacent to one corner thereof, a rocker armpivotally carried by said support, a wedging lug laterally extended fromone side of said rocker arm for cooperative wedging engagement with thewindow frame responsive to pivotal movement of said rocker arm in onedirection, and means for imparting pivotal movements to said rocker arm,said wedging lug being substantially rectangular in cross section andthe wedging action being performed by two diagonal corners thereof whenthe rocker arm is pivoted in one direction.

GEORGE STEINGRUBER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 748,905 Wright Jan. 5, 1904 847,345 Leach Mar. 19, 19071,273,169 Fisher July 23, 1.918 2,143,226 Grondable Jan. 10, 1939

